Muzon Ashgar is the founder and CEO of MZN Bodycare, the first Saudi handmade skin care brand.
When she was growing up in a family that appreciated arts and crafts, her mother, an art teacher, instilled in her a love of handmade products. Ashgar fondly remembers completing craft projects with her mother for school assignments, to create home accessories and for family events.
After leaving school, she attended the College of Architecture and Planning at King Faisal University, from where she graduated top of her class with a degree in interior architecture. She then began working in the college as a teaching assistant.
After getting married in 2008, Ashgar traveled to the UK with her husband where she undertook a master’s degree in design with learning and teaching in higher education. She returned to Saudi Arabia and went back to work at the college, this time as a lecturer.
A social event changed the course of her life. After inviting friends to a spa party, Ashgar decided to make them gifts that matched the theme. After doing some research online, she decided to create some DIY skin care products. She began to search for the raw materials and packaging with a degree of interest and detail that she could not explain at the time. Because she is a designer, she also created an “MZN” logo for the gifts and designed labels. The party was a hit, and her friends were so happy with their gifts that they asked for more.
When she heard about new family bazaar events, where artisans can sell their handmade items, she decided to have a go at selling the skin care products she had created with her newfound hobby. Her stock sold out at her first bazaar, and when on her second attempt she again sold everything, she knew that this was something she wanted to explore further to see where it could lead.
Ashgar ran her fledgling brand from home, taking over the family kitchen, which was filled with different kinds of butter, essential oils and empty containers. She signed up for skin-care formulation and soap-making courses, while continuing to sell her products at bazaars and markets until she received several offers from local pharmacies, boutiques and online stores to sell them.
None of this came easy; there was lots of hard work and long hours to prepare the products, design labels and to stand and sell her products at the bazaars. But being a working mother — Ashgar has two children, Lara, 7, and Muhammad, 5 — is not easy, and when you add even a small project on the side it can become almost impossible at times. As a result, she put MZN on hold for a few months but after talking to her family about life choices, it was clear where her passion lay.
Ashgar returned to working on MZN, which now has a licensed factory and its products are available in pharmacies nationwide. For her success, she first thanks Allah and then the support of her husband and family. She now works to help other entrepreneurs achieve their career goals, as a member of the Chamber of Commerce board for Youth Women Entrepreneurs.
TheFace: Muzon Ashgar is the founder and CEO of MZN Bodycare
TheFace: Muzon Ashgar is the founder and CEO of MZN Bodycare
- She now works to help other entrepreneurs achieve their career goals, as a member of the Chamber of Commerce board for Youth Women Entrepreneurs
UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing
- Destination showcases Kingdom’s natural and cultural diversity, UNESCO official says
- In April, UNESCO listed North Riyadh Geopark and Salma as part of its Global Geoparks Network
RIYADH: UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Brito, visited North Riyadh Geopark on Sunday, praising the destination for preserving both nature and history.
The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization designated North Riyadh Geopark in April as part of its Global Geoparks Network, which aims to protect geological heritage sites and promote sustainable development.
Hussam Zuhair Al-Turki, director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, and Hamoud Alnughaymishi, director of the Science Sector at the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, accompanied Brito during her visit.
They explored significant geological features at the North Riyadh Geopark, including the Abu Shaddad Cave and the Edge of the World cliff. They also stopped to explore Ghamra Village, known for its natural adventure routes on the outskirts of Riyadh.
Brito said that the North Riyadh Geopark showcases the natural and cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia, and will enhance eco-tourism in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In April, UNESCO designated North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its Global Geoparks Network. The Kingdom hopes to register 13 other sites on UNESCO’s network, the SPA added.
Riyadh’s latest group game spot encourages social connection
- Center designed to engage people physically, mentally
RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia encourages more active and social lifestyles, a group of young Saudi entrepreneurs in Riyadh has created a space that blends movement, mental challenges, and social connection.
Opened in 2024, Pixel Games is a locally developed gaming center designed to engage people both physically and mentally. It is also a testament to the vision and drive of young Saudis, who are shaping the Kingdom’s entertainment landscape.
Riyadh has no shortage of entertainment options, and Pixel Games adds to the city’s growing roster of homegrown concepts.
While the founders would like to keep a low profile, they are working behind the scenes to address the local appetite for interactive social spaces that go beyond traditional arcades or seasonal pop-ups.
FASTFACTS
• Activities at Pixel Games range from strategic puzzles to movement-based games, all designed for groups of friends and families to enjoy together.
• Each session lasts an hour, and visitors can reserve private rooms for a more personal experience.
The center features nine themed “moving rooms,” with more than 40 group-based physical and mental challenges.
Activities range from strategic puzzles to movement-based games, all designed for groups of friends and families to enjoy together. Each session lasts an hour, and visitors can reserve private rooms for a more personal experience.
Visitors have responded positively to the experience. Nawaf Aloggayel, a recent guest, said: “The place is beautiful, the games are different and fun, and the prices are reasonable.
“I advise people to come … it’s the best entertainment place in Riyadh so far.”
Ahmed Al-Ahmed, marketing representative for Pixel Games, said: “Pixels is an entertainment center that gathers challenges and fun into a group of different movement activities.
“Groups can enjoy a private room, which makes it more exciting and comfortable.”
What sets it apart is its year-round availability, making it a go-to spot for spontaneous plans or scheduled outings. It provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can burn off energy, develop problem-solving skills, and socialize with their peers.
Whether you are looking for a quick group activity, a family outing, or a way to try something new with friends, Pixels offers a low-key alternative for playful competition and connection.
Biotech program to empower Saudi innovators
- The seven-month program offers participants mentorship, capacity development, and networking opportunities with local and international investors and experts
RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a biotechnology accelerator program to empower Saudi innovators in biotechnology and life sciences.
The initiative aims to enhance their scientific and commercial readiness, attract investment, and expand their global market reach, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also seeks to boost their contributions to healthcare quality, aligning with the National Biotechnology Strategy and the Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030, which envisions a thriving, innovation-driven economy and a vibrant society with sustainable health and quality of life.
The seven-month program offers participants mentorship, capacity development, and networking opportunities with local and international investors and experts.
It includes workshops, seminars, individual consultations, and a chance to present innovations at the BIO 2025 Conference.
The application deadline is May 8. Interviews and initial selection will take place from May 15-20, with final acceptances announced on May 25.
The ministry continues to advance health innovation and accelerate the progress of promising national projects. It encourages all Saudi innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups to register for the program and inquire via redbiotech@moh.gov.sa
Insan spends SR55m on beneficiary families in first quarter of 2025
- Programs aim to meet needs through seasonal initiatives, monthly services, direct assistance
RIYADH: The Charitable Society for Orphans Care in Riyadh, also known as Insan, implemented several programs during the first quarter of 2025 aimed at meeting the needs of families through seasonal initiatives, monthly services, and direct assistance.
Total expenditure on services and initiatives provided during the first quarter amounted to SR55.09 million ($14.66 million), which included basic, seasonal, and other services.
The society deposited SR27.6 million into families’ bank accounts for basic expenses (cash, clothing, and food).
It also deposited SR2,790,600 for the Ramadan Basket Project, benefiting 9,251 families to meet their needs during the holy month of Ramadan, and SR1,060,800 for the Eid Gift Project, helping 5,304 through special gifts during Eid Al-Fitr.
There were more than 21,000 beneficiaries from the Zakat Al-Fitr project during the first quarter, covering their food needs before Eid Al-Fitr, at a cost of SR3.86 million.
The quarterly report issued by Insan highlighted the numerous programs and activities provided by it, including Imaniyat, Pioneers of the Future, Be a Human Compass, Mualham, and Medad.
These programs included developmental and empowerment paths, helping 2,853 beneficiaries.
In line with its commitment to meeting the needs of beneficiary families, Insan provided 7,725 diverse services during the first quarter, including emergency assistance, social and health support, bill payments, housing expenses, furnishing and maintenance, contributions to home purchases, healthcare, and other services. The society spent SR19,773,339 on these services.
It also conducted 1,469 visits to families in the first quarter. These assessed conditions, listened to needs, and identified requirements. The family satisfaction rate reached 93 percent.
In an effort to empower beneficiaries in various fields, the society conducted 436 applications for training, diploma, bachelor’s degree, employment, and project financing.
Saudi deputy minister receives newly appointed Spanish ambassador
- Al-Sati welcomed the Spanish ambassador and wished him success in his new duties
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received the new Ambassador of Spain to the Kingdom Javier Carbajosa Sanchez in Riyadh on Monday.
Al-Sati welcomed the Spanish ambassador and wished him success in his new duties, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.
Separately, the Saudi deputy minister met with Ambassador of Iraq to the Kingdom Safia Taleb Al-Suhail and discussed bilateral relations and issues of common interest.
